Steven Gerrard has been listed as doubtful for Liverpool's visit Sunderland on Saturday, with the skipper out with a groin injury.

The Reds have also been dealt another blow as Gerrard's injury is worse than originally diagnosed.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was reportedly incensed that Gerrard stayed with the England squad after injuring himself in the 1-0 defeat to Ukraine last Saturday, despite Fabio Capello voicing that it was not his decision, but the player's.

Gerrard made his return to Merseyside on Wednesday, where it was revealed that there was a tear in his adductor muscle, an injury that takes at least a week to heal.

Benitez will have much less to work with if his captain is sidelined this weekend, as Javier Mascherano and Lucas will not return from South America until late Friday, and may not be fit for duty against the Black Cats.

The skipper's injury news could not have come at a worse time for Benitez, as the Reds have games against Lyon and Manchester United after the match at the Stadium of Light.

The Merseyside giants cannot slip-up any further having lost three times in the Barclays Premier League and being upset 2-0 by Fiorentina in the Champions League.